Ch 230
‘I’m going crazy. What in the world is going on?’
Lisir was overcome by terrible bewilderment.
He realized he had committed the number one action to absolutely avoid when being selected by the World Tree.
Namely, being human!
He couldn’t even grasp where to begin rectifying the situation.
In the first place!
Among the Elves, the noble High Elves—descendants of the World Tree—
and among them, to choose himself for the selection of the most noble existence.
‘What on earth do I have to do to stop them from mistaking me for an Elf?’
It was clearly the World Tree’s side’s（?） fault—
but Lisir couldn’t honestly blame the World Tree.
My unique constitution might be the problem.
This time too!
His faith in himself had made him unable to trust himself.
Thus, Lisir, unable to do anything, waited for ‘it’s’ next action.
Also.
As the owner of a unique constitution and the provider of the cause, he knew he shouldn’t, but Lisir was feeling what he could only describe as excitement.
‘If it’s the World Tree, how would it overcome this situation…?!’
For now, he, a mere mortal and human, couldn’t even grasp how to resolve this situation.
Lisir decided to rely on the improvisation of that mythical being.
How long did the silence created by that mismatched misunderstanding and misplaced expectation last?
“W-well then, there’s nothing I can do?”
The first to break the silence was Princess Yulin, the Elf Princess.
She, like the other Elves, had an extremely enigmatic expression.
An expression of not knowing how to accept the situation where the World Tree had chosen a non-Elf, leaving her, a High Elf, behind!
However, even amidst that, a self-satisfied smile appeared on her lips.
“A-a human received the World Tree’s selection in place of us, its descendants. Something’s definitely wrong. So—”
So.
Let’s just pretend that human never happened and start over from the beginning.
The Elf Princess was saying that.
Setting aside the immediate humiliation, she decided to focus on the newly presented possibilities.
“No.”
Then Prince Lasnian furrowed his youthful brow and shook his head.
“Lasnian!?”
An action that defied expectations, as he was expected to want the same opportunity as her.
Yulin glared fiercely at him.
Lasnian simply shook his head even more resolutely.
“In this situation, identity is not the issue. What’s important is that the World Tree presented the same standard to all of us. He… was chosen based on that standard.”
The Prince, with the appearance of a girl, looked at Lisir.
In that deep gaze, Lisir realized that he was not as immature as his appearance suggested.
“What are you saying, Lasnian! You, a human was chosen by the World Tree in our place, and you’re okay with it!?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s natural to be angry. But, what difference does it make? Are you going to deny the World Tree’s will?”
“That’s…!”
“Yulin. You know, that’s tantamount to denying the foundation of our existence.”
“…”
If the Prince had spoken in a calm manner, she wouldn’t have accepted it.
However. Yulin read in his expression a humiliation no less than her own.
Hoo.
Princess Yulin let out a sigh like boiling water, calming herself.
Soon, her gaze turned to Lisir.
“…”
Lisir felt his mind reeling from the deep emotions in that gaze.
He didn’t intend to blame her.
As a former illegitimate child, he knew all too well the grief of not being recognized by those he sought recognition from.
Moreover, in the Princess’s case, the one she sought recognition from wasn’t some incompetent person like Lord Vendel.
The World Tree.
The sacred being that was the foundation and pride of the Elves.
How could they remain calm when such a being chose a human, leaving them, the Elves, behind?
In that respect, Lisir thought their reaction was justified—
and also felt that the World Tree’s selection should not be accepted passively.
Right now, that was the intensity of emotion coming from one Elf.
But what if this fact spread throughout Illathein?
And what if he became the focus of all the Elves’ attention?
‘I’m scared.’
Lisir didn’t have the confidence to fully handle their attention and emotions.
The World Tree’s selection is not a duty that he, a complete outsider, can handle.
Lisir concluded as such.
Therefore, the deliberation began.
‘How do I escape this pressure—’
Right now.
Lisir was struggling to not show his difficulty.
Reacting like that to the glorious event of being chosen by the sacred World Tree would make the Elves feel humiliated.
For the same reason, Lisir pondered how to decline the World Tree’s selection in the most amicable way possible.
Soon.
Lisir, having somehow devised a plan, opened his mouth.
“Everyone. Do you know what this is?”
Lisir took out an item from his bosom and showed it to them.
“That’s…”
The Elves had run out of energy to be surprised.
They looked at the High-Rank Spirit Core that the human had taken out from his bosom like junk.
It clearly contained extremely pure and vast energy, a trace left by a great spirit.
“Actually, this is a gift given to me by Lady Rapita.”
“…!”
From Lisir’s standpoint, who had been asked by Rapita to take care of Perin, it was a completely truthful statement—
but from Rapita’s standpoint, who didn’t know that the Half-Spirit had developed a new habit of ‘coughing up hairballs’, it was a truly sudden story.
Nevertheless, Rapita nodded naturally, as if it had been agreed upon beforehand.
‘He’s not someone who would do such a reckless act without any meaning…’
With Rapita’s cooperation, Lisir continued his actions.
“I dare to guess. This ‘misunderstanding’ seems to have occurred because of this item.”
“Misunderstanding?”
Yulin and Lasnian’s ears perked up.
Could it be.
Was this human trying to say that the World Tree had made a mistake—that is, had made a blunder?
“That’s right. Because I possessed this item, which originally belonged to Lady Rapita, I ended up being mistaken for Lady Rapita.”
“…!”
However, the two Elves had no choice but to listen attentively to Lisir’s following explanation.
“So… it was Rapita who received the World Tree’s selection?”
In his single sentence, the tightly tangled situation was instantly resolved.
If what he said was true, it explained why the World Tree had chosen a mere human over its descendants, the High Elves.
“That’s right. Didn’t the great World Tree say so? The great master of the wind. That must refer to Lady Sylph, the Wind Spirit. However, who is Lady Sylph currently contracted with?”
Lisir looked towards Rapita.
The Wind Spirit Sylph, who was with her.
-…As you say, the one I follow is no one other than Rapita—only one person.
Was it my imagination?
They felt that the Wind Spirit’s tone was somewhat artificial.
It must be a misconception.
The great Wind Spirit wouldn’t act to please a mere human.
“Then, the fact that Sylph listened to your words at the altar…?”
“That’s right. It was because I had this item. In fact, the reason why Lady Rapita and Lady Sylph fell out—was because I was given this item.”
“Ah.”
Lasnian and Yulin nodded, saying that all their doubts had been resolved.
“Ah! So that’s how it was!!!”
Even Ratsil, the Watcher who was nearby.
The story Lisir had just made up to escape the situation was so ingenious that it was difficult for the Elves to doubt it.
And above all—
It was something they couldn’t even imagine.
That someone would give up the tremendous honor of the World Tree’s selection of their own accord.
“Lady Rapita.”
“Oh? Oh!”
Rapita approached him, following Lisir’s gesture.
Perfect handling comes from the finish.
Considering even the slightest possibility, Lisir grabbed a branch of the World Tree together with Rapita.
Lisir and Rapita exchanged signals with their eyes.
The two spoke simultaneously.
“We will uphold the great will.”
“We will fulfill our duties, following Lady Rapita, the descendant of the great World Tree and the most noble Elf.”
-…
Saaaaaaaaaa-
It sounded like the rustling of leaves in the wind somewhere.
The place where the forest was depicted in light shook.
A moment later.
“Ah.”
They had left that space and returned to Rapita’s private room.
“Oh?”
Suddenly.
Rapita looked at Lisir in surprise.
He suddenly grabbed her hand.
The reason was immediately revealed.
Lisir.
The item he had in his hand—
he gave what the World Tree had left behind to Rapita.
For the perfect crime（?）.
‘…’
Ha.
Rapita chuckled inwardly.
‘The World Tree is… not wrong after all.’
She agreed with the World Tree’s will to choose a human over the Elves.
✦✦✦
“Rapita? You’re holding something, right?”
Immediately after.
Yulin noticed Rapita’s suspicious actions and asked.
“Is it the item the World Tree left behind?”
Rapita nodded at Lasnian’s following question.
He looked at Lisir once before opening his hand and showing the contents to them.
“This is…”
“Seeds, right?”
What came out of Rapita’s hand was a number of pure white seeds.
“The World Tree… left seeds…?”
The High Elves’ breaths were already trembling.
Those seeds.
This situation.
They realized that what it symbolized was ominous.
“W-what are we supposed to do with these seeds?”
“Yulin. Calm down first.”
“I look like I can calm down right now!? T-the World Tree left us seeds!!! Our situation is already precarious! Perhaps, we’ve been entrusted with a tremendous responsibility?”
“…Us?”
Oops!
Ratsil, who had muttered without realizing it, quickly covered her mouth.
Princess Yulin glared at her with a pout.
“I-I’m sorry!!! M-my loose lips! I-I!”
Slap.
Slap.
Ratsil slapped her protruding lips.
Yulin sighed deeply.
“It’s okay. As you said, it was Rapita who was chosen by the World Tree—not me.”
Yulin looked at Rapita with a sullen expression.
“Lucky you? I proved that I, who ignored you, am nothing?”
“…”
Lasnian also sighed deeply and bowed to Rapita.
Having overcome the shock of the “I’m a human” incident, they were facing the bitter reality that they had fallen behind the competitor they had ignored.
“…”
At that moment.
Rapita tightly grasped the hand holding the seeds, then opened it again.
“Yulin. Lasnian. If you’re okay with it… will you share this heavy responsibility with me?”
“…”
The Princess and Prince’s mouths fell open.
“W-what are you saying—Rapita. Do you know what you’re saying!?”
“Rapita. Even if it’s burdensome, that’s—”
They thought Rapita was saying foolish things because she couldn’t handle the burden.
However, that expression.
“Rapita…?”
The Elf Princess looked at Lisir once, then said to her siblings.
“We know what we should prioritize, as descendants of the World Tree.”
Thwack.
“Huh?”
Lisir, who had been happily watching the scene, felt a strong pressure on his shoulder and looked to the side.
Sir Gondola, the escort knight.
His rock-like face was like waterlogged leather.
He looked at Lisir with a face filled with emotion.
The composure and nobility Rapita was showing now.
Knowing what had sparked it.
Eh.
What did I even do.
Lisir patted his thick hand and chuckled nonchalantly.
“…Rapita, this isn’t right.”
Lasnian covered his face with his palm and sighed deeply.
What would they become if Rapita acted like that?
“…Well, now I’m the one chosen by the World Tree, huh?”
Princess Yulin tried her best to make a picky expression, but she couldn’t help the fact that her face was flushed with some emotion.
“…”
“Kuhk—”
Rapita’s following bitter smile.
Completely losing her composure, Yulin bowed her head.
Then she speaks.
“…Let’s go.”
“What?”
“First, let’s go to the Prophet and ask for advice. What to do with those seeds.”
Princess Yulin stormed out of the room.
Rapita also smiled wryly and left the room with Lasnian, who gestured to her.
Sir Gondola, the escort knight, was about to follow them when—
“Lisir? Aren’t you coming?”
Lisir?
The escort knight cautiously called his name.
“…”
His name, lost in deep thought.
“Sir Gondola? Do you remember the situation where you were just chosen by the World Tree?”
“Of course I do. When will I ever have such a majestic and mysterious experience again…”
The escort knight’s face became overwhelmed with emotion just from recalling it.
Lisir nodded after confirming that reaction.
“I understand. If it’s not too much trouble, could I be alone for a while? I want to gather my thoughts.”
“Oh? Ah! Yes, that’s understandable. All right. Take your time and come out later. I’ll instruct a nearby servant to guide you, so don’t worry about that.”
“I-I’ll wait outside too!?”
Lisir, left alone in the room.
‘Dangaleon.’
He immediately called his comrade’s name.
-Understood!!! I’ll burn down the room of that presumptuous pointy-eared one who doesn’t know when to quit!
‘No, that’s not it—did you see that just now?’
-Of course! That big, old tree losing its composure and fawning over Master!!! How could I not have that etched into my memory!
‘Not that.’
-Oh? Then what are you talking about—…
‘That woman who was watching us from the corner of the room. You know.’
-…I-I think I saw a blurry figure… M-Master!? What exactly did you see—
“…”
Even Dangaleon didn’t notice her?
Lisir’s expression turned serious.
After a moment’s hesitation, he softly uttered.
“It seems that woman was trying to interfere between us and the World Tree.
-H-how dare she!!! What is the reason for not immediately executing that villain!?
“She’s strong.”
-Huh?
Lisir pretended not to see that suspicious being.
The reason was simple.
“It’s some kind of monster?”
That was the conclusion Lisir reached after briefly gauging the depth of its energy.
✦✦✦
『Title: World Tree Destruction Destiny Quest Question』
Content: I heard that you meet a guy called Night of Deception in this quest
When does it appear?
I’ve searched everywhere and the World Tree is about to be screwed
Isn’t this at the end of the quest?
But it still hasn’t appeared?
-: Did you meet the Verdant Star?
-『Author』: Prophet-hyung ㄹㅇ
So reliable
I’m eternally in your debt
-: Then you’ve already met it, yeah, Night of Deception
-『Author』: ?
-『Author』: ???
-『Author』: ??????????????????
-: lol look at this guy freaking out
-: Is the Prophet’s identity really that surprising? lol
-: It is surprising
-『Author』: No, I’m surprised by your spoiler!
-: Oops spoiler alert
-: Night of Spoiler vs Night of Deception ㄷㄷㄷ
-: This guy is also a prophet in a different sense
✦✦✦
-Since Master said so, it must be a troublesome fellow!!! Wouldn’t it be better to leave this place now!?
‘…Let’s observe the situation for now.’
-If Master’s judgment is so, that will be the answer!!! However, Master, please remember this one fact!!! Forests burn very well…!!
‘Why would I remember that?’
The unidentified person he had seen in the World Tree’s space.
After discussing it with Dangaleon, Lisir left the room.
“Ah, Lisir! Are you feeling better!?”
“Yes. No problem.”
“That’s good! Ah! By any chance, you didn’t do anything strange in the Princess’s room!?”
Heh heh.
Ratsil covered her mouth and smiled slyly.
Lisir felt fear at the Watcher who tried to suck his energy as soon as he confirmed he was fine, and hurriedly said.
“T-that reminds me—where did the rest of our party go?”
“Ah! I happen to know their location! Follow me! By now, everyone must be eagerly waiting for Lisir!”
The place Ratsil led him to was another private room in the same building.
‘Using the same building as the World Tree’s descendants… could it be that the Prophet predicted the World Tree’s selection?’
After organizing his thoughts, Lisir knocked on the door.
“Lady Rapita. It’s me.”
“Ah, Lisir!”
A quickly approaching presence.
“Come in!”
Princess Rapita personally opened the door to greet him.
“We were just talking about the Prophet and you.”
Lisir’s gaze followed Rapita’s gesture.
In the room, filled with a bluish green light reminiscent of a forest, someone was looking at Lisir.
“You are the one the Princess mentioned—”
Rapita stepped back and looked at them.
Rapita’s viewpoint.
“Oh, I’m late with my introduction. I am the one who conveys the World Tree’s voice. I am, perhaps too grandly, called the Verdant Star—”
A silver-haired woman wearing an eyepatch and a human were talking to each other.
However, from Lisir’s viewpoint.
“…”
Lisir couldn’t concentrate on the conversation with her.
Was it because he was overwhelmed by the mysterious atmosphere she exuded?
No.
“Is it this one?”
The place where the World Tree’s selection took place.
An illusion or a barrier.
The unidentified woman he had seen there was standing nearby, looking at him.
“Hmm…”
No one in the room noticed her presence.
Therefore, she thought Lisir wouldn’t either.
The woman approached Lisir and began to observe him.
Her swirling, dreamlike purple eyes stared at Lisir.
“Is it definitely this one?”
She frowned with a displeased expression and spoke to someone.
“I don’t understand why it chose this human, leaving the World Tree’s descendants behind…”
At that moment.
The voices of the Prophet and the woman conducting the conversation overlapped.
“Well, there’s no need to rush. We have plenty of time. Let’s start by taking this one’s energy with those seeds.”
“In other words, the World Tree wants you to use that energy to sprout these seeds.”
Lisir closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
-Khahahaha!!! This foolish woman!! She doesn’t even know she’s playing in Master’s palm, and she’s chattering away so well!!!
To maintain his composure in this unusual situation.
✦✦✦
『Resisted』
『Resistance Target: Cognitive Impairment （Highest）』
✦✦✦
“To sprout the seeds given by the World Tree…”
Rapita looked at the seeds in her hand.
A slight trace of fatigue appeared on her elated expression.
Rapita considered it to be due to the many things she had experienced and didn’t think much of it.
Night of Deception watched her quietly, then made a mocking smile.
The dubious expression she had shown while looking at the man brightened with satisfaction when she looked at the High Elf.
“As expected of a High Elf. An amazing sensitivity. With this presence, that woman will soon—”
In the moment she lost her focus, the seeds were in the man’s hand.
“…”
What?
She tilted her head in a strange mood.
✦✦✦
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